Academic Programs Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Financial Aid for Undergraduates

A comprehensive and coordinated program of financial aid to assist qualified students is available to Michigan State University undergraduates in the form of scholarships, educational grants, loans, and jobs.

Applications for financial aid are available on the web at www.fafsa.gov. Results of the application, known as the FAFSA, are sent electronically to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.

When a FAFSA is received and the extent of the financial need is determined, the student is considered for any of the scholarships, grants, and loans for which he or she is eligible. The financial aid package is prepared to assist in meeting the financial need of the student. This package may include any combination of scholarship, grant, loan, or job. Career Services, 113 Student Services Building, www.careernetwork.msu.edu, assists students in procuring jobs.

Most of the educational grants require that financial need be demonstrated. Many of the scholarships and grants are limited to Michigan residents.

Students may obtain information about applying for aid at the Office of Financial Aid, 252 Student Services Building.

Federal Aid and Satisfactory Progress Toward the Bachelor's Degree

Federal aid regulations limit the amount of time federal financial aid recipients can work toward a bachelor's degree and require measured progress toward that degree.

Students who have completed the requirements for an undergraduate degree are no longer eligible for federal grant funds once the degree requirements have been met, regardless of whether the student seeks conferral of the degree.

Students who have exceeded the maximum time frame to complete the degree as described below are no longer eligible for any federal, state, or institutional need-based funds or any federal loans funds.

Undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor's degree are allowed to earn 150% of the number of credits required for the degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. In this case, students enrolling in a semester after earning their 180th credit are no longer considered to be making Satisfactory Progress toward the degree.

Many Certificates in Agriculture Technology and Certificates in Veterinary Technology require 60 credits. For these programs, the 150% limit would be 90 credits.

Credits completed at all post-secondary institutions are counted in the total, whether or not Michigan State University has accepted these credits in transfer and whether or not the student received aid for them.

Students are expected to complete 67% of the credits taken during their time of attendance. Completed credits are those credits in which the student remains enrolled throughout the term of instruction for each course and for which the student receives a numerical, CR-NC, P-N, or V-Visitor grade.

Federal Aid and Required GPA

Federal regulations require that students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) sufficient to meet university graduation requirements. This is a minimum GPA of 2.00 for undergraduate students.

Federal Financial Aid Probation and Denial

Students who fail to meet any of the above requirements are notified by the Office of Financial Aid regarding their federal-aid eligibility status. The notification will outline the appeal process for students with extenuating circumstances.

There are four kinds of federal-aid eligibility status:

Federal-aid regular status applies to students who complete 67% of their MSU assessed credits, are within the 150% maximum credit limit and have the minimum required GPA.

Federal-aid warning applies to students who have failed the 67% completion rule and/or who have fallen below the minimum cumulative GPA in the semester. This is a one-semester grace period. Students are eligible for federal aid while in this status.

Federal-aid denial applies to students who have failed the 67% completion rule for two consecutive measurement periods, have failed to regain the minimum cumulative GPA standards after one semester of probation, and/or have exceeded the 150% maximum credit limit. In all cases, the denial will apply unless the student submits a successful appeal or regains good standing by fulfilling the requirements.

Federal-aid probation applies when a student has submitted a successful appeal, for the duration of the approved appeal.

A student who fails the 67% completion standard for the first time will be placed on federal-aid warning for the next measurement period. A student already on federal-aid warning who fails the 67% completion standard for a second time will be placed on federal-aid denial. Students who are on federal-aid denial or who are on federal-aid warning who pass the 67% completion requirement will be restored to federal-aid regular status if they have not failed another Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement.

Students who are unable to complete a bachelor's degree within 150% of the required credits for the degree are ineligible for federal financial aid and are placed on federal-aid denial beginning with the semester following the one in which they enrolled in their last credit. A reminder regarding the credit maximum and extension requests will be sent to students at least one semester before they attempt their final allowed credit. A student granted an extension will be placed on federal aid probation.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 are placed on warning for one semester. If the cumulative GPA is still below 2.00 at the end of the next term of enrollment, the student is denied aid until the required 2.00 cumulative GPA is earned.

Academic Impacts on Pell Grant

The Department of Education requires institutions to verify that credits used to determine the Pell grant award amount must exclude credits for a failed class if we cannot verify that the student actually earned the failing grade. The student is deemed to have earned the 0.0 grade if he or she attended the class at least one day after the census date (end of refund period) of the class. Students who never attended or whose last date of attendance was before the census date are considered to have an unearned 0.0 and Pell disbursements are adjusted based upon the new (earned) credits.

Student Loans

University Short-Term Loan Program

The Short–Term Loan Program at Michigan State University is designed to help students meet emergency situations and should not be regarded as a means of financing a college education.

Federal Perkins Student Loan Program

This low-interest loan program was established by the federal government in an agreement with Michigan State University. All awards are based upon the availability of funds.

Loans must be used for legitimate educational purposes such as room, board, tuition, and books. Eligibility is determined by a uniform method of needs analysis through the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Automatic consideration is given to financial aid applicants who demonstrate financial need. Students must normally be enrolled on a full–time basis to receive a loan.

Federal Subsidized Stafford (Direct) Loan

The Federal Subsidized Stafford (Direct) Loan is based on demonstrated need. While the student is enrolled at least half time, payment on the principle is deferred and the federal government pays interest. Interest will begin to accrue when a borrower enters repayment. Interest rates vary annually. The rate for 2017-18 is 4.45%.

Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for participation in the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program.

Annual maximums for subsidized Federal Stafford Loans are:

Freshman

$3,500

Sophomore

$4,500

Junior/Senior

$5,500

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford (Direct) Loan

The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford (Direct) Loan is not based on need. Payment on the principal is deferred while the student borrower is enrolled at least half time. Interest is paid by the student borrower through quarterly payments, or if a student desires it can be added daily to the principal, to be repaid when the student ceases to be enrolled. Interest rates vary annually. The rate for 2017-18 is 4.45%.

Completion of the FAFSA is required for participation in the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program.

Annual maximums for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are:

Dependent Freshman

$5,500

Dependent Sophomore

$6,500

Dependent Junior/Senior

$7,500

Independent Freshman

$9,500

Independent Sophomore

$10,500

Independent Junior/Senior

$12,500

Note that the maximums include both subsidized and unsubsidized
loans. For example, an independent freshman who receives a $3,500
subsidized loan can borrow no more than $6,000 in unsubsidized loan.

Federal PLUS Loan

The Federal PLUS Loan Program (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) is for parents of dependent undergraduate students. A credit check is required and will be conducted by the loan servicer. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is the lesser of the cost of education or the difference between the cost of education and any outside resources and/or financial aid received. Interest rates vary annually. The rate for 2017-18 is 7.00%. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Completion of the FAFSA is required for participation in the PLUS Program.

Student Employment

The Student Employment Office provides resources for students seeking part–time and summer employment opportunities throughout their careers at Michigan State University. Various types of positions are available, both on–campus and off–campus. Students interested in employment after graduation will find assistance through Career Services and Placement.

Students who qualify for financial aid through the federal Work–Study Programs will find job opportunities listed on the Career Services Web site, MySpartanCareer, for jobs located both on–campus and off–campus.

A student who plans to work will need to provide identification and an original Social Security card in order to complete the W–4 and I–9 forms to comply with federal laws. A complete list of acceptable documents and more specific information is available at the Career Services, 113 Student Services Building, 1-517-355-9510.

Besides listing job opportunities, Career Services offers many other services and resources to students during their careers at Michigan State University. Services include workshops offered throughout the year to aid students in their job searches, resume critiquing, advising about specific aspects of jobs searches and employment, a career–related referral service for paid internships, on–campus interviewing for summer positions, and a summer Employment Fair, held every February.

Other State and Federal Programs of Financial Assistance

These programs are not administered directly by Michigan State University. However, the university will on request, certify students receiving awards under these programs with the appropriate agency.

Brief descriptions of the programs are given below and additional information can be obtained from the agency indicated or from the Veteran Certification Section, Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.

State of Michigan

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

To qualify a student must be certified by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights as a member of a federally recognized tribe, and be a legal resident of the State of Michigan for not less than 12 consecutive months. This program covers only resident tuition for any postsecondary–level course work, part–time or full–time. Further information concerning qualifications and application procedures is available by contacting the Office of Financial Aid.

Michigan Public Act 245 (as amended)

A person not under 16 and not over 22 years of age who has been a resident of this state for 12 months and who is the child of a Michigan veteran of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action or died from other causes during a war or war condition in which the United States has been, is, or may hereafter be a participant, or who as a result of wartime service has since died or is totally disabled, or who as a result of war time service was totally disabled before death from any cause or who is officially listed by the United States government as missing in action in a foreign country, may be eligible for educational assistance under this act. Inquiries and application should be made with the Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund, at mvaaresourcecenter@michigan.gov or 1-800-642-4838.

Public Act 195 of 1996 provides for the waiver of tuition at public universities for the surviving spouse and children of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. Tuition will be covered for eligible survivors enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Inquiries and application should be made with the Survivor Tuition Program, Student Scholarships and Grants toll free at 1-888-447-2687.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

Temporary assistance granted by the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) for emergencies or hardships is available to eligible wartime veterans, and their families, residing in the state. Additional information is available at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Financial assistance to persons who have a disability that has interfered with or may interfere with the individual's job performance should contact the Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Box 30010, Lansing, Michigan 48909 or 1-800-605-6722.

United States Government

Veterans Education Benefits

The Veterans Administration (VA) offers a number of programs to those who have served, as well as to eligible survivors and dependents of veterans. A brief summary of each program is listed below.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001. These benefits can be used only at institutions of higher learning within 15 years from the date of last discharge from active duty.

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30)

The MGIB-Active Duty program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those who have served on active duty.

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

The MGIB-Selected Reserve program may be available to members of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

The Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)

The Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if those who first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and elected to make contributions from military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the U.S. Government.

Eligible persons may receive up to $100 a month up to a maximum of $1,200 for special tutoring if deficient in a course or courses.

Department of Veterans Affairs Work–Study Allowance

Eligible veterans may apply directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the VA Work–Study Program.
Students approved for educational assistance allowances should contact a VA Certifying Official, Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.